Most people are familiar with china servingware; the ever elegant teacups, saucers, plates and bowls reserved either for special occasions or Nan’s display cabinet. Both fine china and bone china are premium ceramics that, when formed into beautiful servingware, have the power to transform a table setting. So much so, it’s often hard to decipher one from the other. Let’s get into the finer details and find the right china to suit your style.
How was it made?
Fine china, often referred to as porcelain, is made with a mixture of clays and kaolin. Other materials such as feldspar or quartz may be included depending on the manufacturer. Each piece is carefully formed and placed under a series of kiln firings at extremely high temperatures. It's this craftsmanship that often sets fine china and porcelain at a high price point.
Bone china is pottery made with a percentage of phosphate derived from calcined animal bone, usually cow bone, otherwise known as bone ash. Yes, bone china technically contains real bone! The process of making bone china starts the same way as fine china, before bone ash is mixed into the clay. The firing temperature is relatively low to accommodate the inclusion of bone ash.
How it looks
Visual cues help distinguish bone china from fine china. Bone china has a softer, creamier colour compared to the pure, bright white of fine china and porcelain. As a result of its manufacturing process, bone china is vitreous, meaning it appears translucent and glass-like when held up to the light.
How it feels?
Shape: Bone china, due to its thin form and smooth finish, often has a more delicate silhouette than fine china.
Weight: Usually, fine china is slightly heavier than bone china.
Sound: When two pieces of fine china collide, they produce a heavy, thick dinging sound with no echo. In contrast, bone china pieces create a bell-like ring with an echo.
How it holds up
Generally speaking, most high quality china should be hardwearing and chip resistant. Both fine and bone china are renowned for their strength, despite their delicate look and feel. However, neither one is indestructible or unbreakable. The specific durability of fine or bone china depends on the individual product.
Where to from here?
The choice between fine and bone china ultimately comes down to your personal preference! Both forms of china are guaranteed to add a level of sophistication to your servingware. Delve into the china collections available at Everten. Explore premium names like Noritake, Royal Albert, Royal Doulton and Wedgwood, and modern brands like Ecology, Salisbury & Co and more.
